The Faces of Lake Country: Don Hanson

Meet Don Hanson! Don is a lifelong Oconomowoc resident and the face of Herr’s Mobil on the roundabout in Downtown Five-O’s. Don is a father who enjoys Milwaukee Brewers baseball and all kinds of music.

Don has worked at Herr’s Mobil Mart for 27 years, which recently underwent a major renovation. He has his finger on the pulse of Oconomowoc, a smile or a laugh for everyone, and many of his customers hang out at the station to chat with him.

We want to thank Don for recently spending some time with us talking about his life and love of Lake Country.

Question: What led you to your current career?
Answer: “Twenty seven years ago, I was still in high school and looking for a job. I had friends that worked here, so I came in and talked to Pete, Sr., and here I am.”

Q: What is your favorite restaurant in Lake Country?
A: “Bella Gusto, I love everything on the menu, particularly the pizza and sandwiches.”

Q: If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go?
A: “I’ve been to every baseball stadium in the country, except for those in Arizona, Kansas City, Miami and New York City. I’d like to see all four of them to finish up my stadium tour.”

Q: Who is the most interesting person you have met in Lake Country?
A: “Vice Admiral Dirk Debbink, I have a lot of respect for him. When he found out I was going to Washington, DC, he arranged a private tour of the Pentagon for me.”

Q: What is your favorite movie?
A: “‘Sixteen Candles’, that’s a great comedy.”

Q: What is your favorite thing about Lake Country?
A: “It’s such a beautiful community. We have plenty of bars, a variety of restaurants, nice beaches. It’s easy to find a park bench to sit and enjoy the scenery.”

Q. Where do you see yourself in five or ten years?
A: “At Herr’s Mobil. I’ll be here for the rest of my life. I never have a bad day!”

Q. Choosing anyone alive and a non-relative, with whom would you like to have lunch?
A: “Milwaukee Alderman Bob Donovan. He’s phenomenal.”

Q. What current or former local business makes you the most nostalgic about Lake Country?
A: “Snyder’s Fine Clothes. Tom Snyder taught me how to tie a necktie. He didn’t care who you were, he treated everyone with kindness and would take the time to teach you how to dress for an occasion.”

Q. What three words mean HOME to you?
A: “Family, love and comfort.”

The Faces of Lake Country is a project to showcase the amazing people that live or work in our community. If you would like to nominate an interesting person to be featured, please click the button below.

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